Slimmers should forget what they have been told about avoiding rapid weight loss in favour of slow but sure dieting, according to new research.

The latest evidence suggests the idea that shedding too many pounds too fast leads to a cycle of "yo-yo" dieting is a myth.

Losing weight quickly is the best way to achieve slimming goals and not likely to result in greater weight regain than the slow approach, scientists said.

The findings contradict current dietary recommendations that favour slow and steady weight loss.

Australian researcher Katrina Purcell, from the University of Melbourne, said: "Across the world, guidelines recommend gradual weight loss for the treatment of obesity, reflecting the widely held belief that fast weight loss is more quickly regained.

"However, our results show that achieving a weight loss target of 12.5% is more likely, and drop-out is lower, if losing weight is done quickly." The study looked at 200 obese adults who were randomly assigned to one of two slimming diets.

One was a 12 week rapid weight loss (RWL) programme on a strict diet of 450 to 800 calories a day.

The other was a 36-week gradual weight loss (GWL) programme which reduced energy intake by around 500 calories a day in accordance with current guidelines.

Participants who lost more than 12.5% of their bodyweight were then placed on a weight maintenance diet for three years.

Those on the rapid diet were more likely to meet their slimming target, with 81% of the group shedding at least 12.5% of body weight.